Kwanzaa: 2010 Teachers Curriculum- Self-Determination Principle
A Note to Teachers on How Kwanzaa Can Be Used for All Students to Improve Academic and School Performance
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 to introduce and reinforce 7 guiding principles which were viewed as essential to healthy personal, family, school, and neighborhood development. Observed with fidelity, Kwanzaa can be a value added holiday, encouraging and motivating students to work toward realizing their highest scholastic potential. This Kwanzaa Teacher Curriculum and Lesson Plan is an invitation for all teachers to join with African Americans in using the Kwanzaa celebration and holiday (December 26 through January 1) to honor and celebrate their families, school, and personal accomplishments.
Topic: Second Day of Kwanzaa- Self-determination/ Kujichagulia Day
Description: This lesson outlines the meaning and basic activities of the second day of the Kwanzaa celebration.
Self-Determination
To define the world in our own image and interest, placing African people and our history and culture at the center of our worldview and social reality
Lesson Plan One: Self-Determination Day
| Goal: | Students will learn the meaning of the self-determination principle and how to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa. |
| Materials: | Red candle, Kwanzaa DVD- Teacher Guide: How to Celebrate the African American Holiday Kwanzaa |
| Introduction: | Teacher explains that the second day of Kwanzaa-, self-determination, and the second of the seven guiding principles (See Teacher Guide: How to Celebrate the African American Holiday Kwanzaa for full explanation of Self-Determination Day) |
| Development: | Students learn meaning of the self-determination principle |
| Practice: | Students make a commitment around the practice of self-determination |
| Review: | Teacher reviews the self-determination principle |
Notes:
- If possible, try to begin with a story, proverb or riddle around the principle “Self-determination”
- Have students select Swahili names
- Unity in the context of school is as much about teacher/student, adult/student attachment
- Have student make a commitment around how they will practice self-determination (classroom or school)
- Have student document commitment, each week/month review the commitment and provide positive reinforcement to student
- See DVD for candle lighting activity and self-determination commitment
